Academic Appeals
Although most postgraduates go through their university experience without any problems, there may be occasions where a student wishes to appeal against a recommendation or decision of their Board of Studies, Board of Examiners or Senate Committee. Below explains the appeals process in more detail in case you ever find yourself in a position where you wish to make an appeal.
What Can You Appeal?
There are four areas in which you can make an appeal against. These are:
- A degree classification awarded, pass, fail or the processing of a mark
- The decision about whether or not to allow or require you to retake, revise, resubmit or resit an assessment
- Not being allowed to progress, transfer to another programme or suspend your studies
- A decision arising from academic misconduct procedures
There are three grounds for appeal:
- The occurrence of procedural irregularity or the perception that an assessment was conducted unfairly or improperly
- Mitigating circumstances
- Inadequate supervision
To make an appeal, at least one of these grounds of appeal must apply to your situation. If it is either the second or third reason, you need to provide an explanation as to why you were unable to inform your department before a decision was made on your work.
When Can You Make an Appeal?
An appeal must be made within 28 days of receiving official notification of the decision made. You are allowed to submit evidence for your appeal after the 28 days, as long as the appeal is submitted within 28 days.
How Do You Make an Appeal?
To make an appeal you must fill in the Academic Appeal Application Form. As part of the application you must write a statement outlining the reasons for your appeal and how these affected your studies. Supporting evidence must be provided with your application form. Completed applications must be submitted to the Special Cases Administrator (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address))
If you need advice or support when filling in this form, please contact the GSA Representation, Advice and Welfare Coordinator (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address))
What happens Next?
Special Cases Committee will consider your application and decide whether it needs to be taken further. You will be provided with a decision within 6 weeks of submitting your form.
Appeal versus Complaint
A Complaint is about any service received. An Appeal is about a decision reached. The University’s Appeals and Complaints section provides further information on the differences between the two and the procedures to be followed.
